Featuring Rebel Smoked Cheddar & Pimento
Creamy. Smoky. Comfort with character.
Both of the cheeses in this recipe — our Smoked Cheddar and our creamy Pimento — are featured in our February Fromagier. If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to showcase them, this is it.
This isn’t your standard mac & cheese.
Our Rebel Smoked Cheddar brings depth and a subtle campfire warmth that transforms the sauce into something layered and quietly bold. Paired with our spicy Pimento, it melts into a velvety, savory base that coats every bite of pasta with intention.
Want more heat?
If you have access to our seasonal Hatch Chile Cheddar , you can substitute for the Smoked Cheddar or just add it in for a spicier Southwest kick.
We design our cheeses to play well together, and this dish proves it.
Ingredients
- 1 box pasta of your choice (fusilli, rotini, or any shape that grips sauce well)
- ½ cup unsweetened plant milk (soy or cashew work beautifully)
- 2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
- ½ wedge Rebel Smoked Cheddar
- 1–2 tubs Rebel Pimento
- Reserved pasta water
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente.
Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining — it’s your secret to a silky sauce.
2. Build the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm about ½ cup unsweetened plant milk.
Add the Rebel Pimento and whisk gently as it melts into the milk, forming a smooth, creamy base.
Grate in the Rebel Smoked Cheddar and continue whisking until fully incorporated. The sauce should become glossy and velvety with a subtle smoky aroma.
If you love little pockets cheese, leave a little texture rather than whisking completely smooth.
3. Adjust & Combine
Assess the texture. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and whisk again.
Fold the pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every curve and spiral.
Adjust with additional plant milk or pasta water as needed until the consistency feels just right — creamy but not heavy.
4. Finish with Freshness
Stir in chopped chives for brightness and contrast.
Top with an extra grate of Smoked Cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent (we always are).
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and glossy.
Flavor Profile
Creamy from the Pimento.
Smoky depth from the Cheddar.
Fresh lift from chives.
At Rebel Cheese, we believe plant-based cheese should rival the dairy original in both texture and flavor — without shortcuts, without compromise. This dish is proof that comfort food can be bold, balanced, and beautifully crafted.
Pairs Well With
- A crisp margarita or dry rosé
- Grilled vegetables or charred street corn
- A cozy movie night
- Going back for seconds
Southwest Mac & Cheese, but make it Rebel.
If you create it, tag @rebel.cheese on Instagram! We'd love to see your creation.